A lot has changed for Panini America’s now-legendary Silhouettes subset since it burst onto the collecting scene with a stunning, starring turn as the Rookie Die Cut Material Autographs insert in 2010 Crown Royale Football. The instant-classic design was majestic in its presentation and raised the bar in terms of just how beautiful autographed memorabilia cards could be.

In the years since, the name “Silhouettes” has become synonymous with the most attractive trading cards in the sports collecting universe. Panini America features Silhouettes across all four major sports and they’re as striking on Rookie Cards as they are on cards of current superstars and retired legends. And it is with that premise that we present this spectacular first look at some of 2013-14 Preferred Basketball’s landmark Silhouettes.

They just arrived at Panini America HQ, hot off the presses from the production facility across town. By the time we caught wind that they were in the building, many of the this year’s Silhouettes had already been counted, cataloged and quality controlled before being carefully packed for shipment to the respective players on them to receive on-card autographs.

But we were able to grab some of the rare Prime parallels for many players, including some key rookies, veterans and all-time greats, many of whom are appearing on Silhouettes for the first time in 2013-14 Preferred Basketball. Take a look for yourself in the drool-worthy pre-ink peek below. The next time you see these gems, they’ll be hard-signed.

Stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for continued coverage of 2013-14 Preferred Basketball.